John Woo Purchases Metroid Prime Film Rights

The Hollywood Reporter is today err... reporting that John Woo has purchased the film rights for the hit GameCube title, Metroid Prime:

Woo will produce the sci-fi movie and has the option to direct. Terence Chang and Brad Foxhoven will share production responsibilities. Lion Rock Prods.' Suzanne Zizzi also is attached to the project.

Foxhoven said the plan is to release the first film before 2006. "Everyone involved is looking at this as a big-budget picture," Foxhoven said. "We see a tremendous opportunity to launch a film franchise with Nintendo as a partner."

The movie will center on the origins of the game's female protagonist, sexy bounty hunter Samus Aran, and relate her adventures battling the insidious life-sucking Metroids and their controlling force, Mother Brain.

"We have to assume the mainstream audience is unfamiliar with the property," Foxhoven said. "As for the rest of the film, we will stay true to the game and have Samus battling the Metroids and Mother Brain in a fight for control of the galaxy."

Unsubstantiated rumours suggest Uwe Boll is now hopping up and down in fits of fury after not realising to purchase the rights...